Business Development Manager

With a strong background in consultative sales and business development, the Business Development Manager is responsible for originating and developing business through both introducer networks and lender partnerships. The role centres on building long-term relationships, understanding client funding requirements, and structuring appropriate commercial finance solutions. Working closely with a diverse panel of lenders, the Business Development Manager ensures effective deal placement across a range of products, including asset finance and commercial lending. Full training is provided to support deep product knowledge and market understanding. A key aspect of the role is engaging with new and existing clients and introducers to manage relationships, identify viable funding opportunities, and aid in progressing transactions through to completion alongside a dedicated finance broker. As well as new business generation, the role includes re-engaging existing clients through targeted outbound and renewal activity, maximising conversion opportunities and driving revenue growth. The position requires a proactive, relationship-led approach, balancing client needs with lender appetite to deliver commercially sound outcomes and sustainable partnerships.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage relationships with introducers (including brokers, accountants, and professional partners) to generate a consistent pipeline of qualified commercial finance opportunities.
• Proactively originate new business through targeted outreach, networking, and relationship-led business development activity, converting opportunities into completed deals.
• Deliver a consultative, client-focused approach by understanding funding requirements, structuring suitable finance solutions, and identifying cross-sell and up-sell opportunities.
• Prepare and present high-quality proposals and credit applications, working closely with clients and introducers to gather required financial and supporting information.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with a panel of lenders, aligning deal structures with lender appetite and negotiating terms to achieve successful outcomes.
• Act as the key liaison between clients, introducers, and lenders, managing transactions through the full lifecycle from enquiry to completion.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all business development and deal activity within the CRM system.
• Manage and continuously develop a robust pipeline of opportunities, ensuring consistent conversion and revenue growth.
• Undertake additional responsibilities aligned with the seniority and commercial objectives of the role.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• At least 4+ years of strong sales/business development experience (ideally in a Business-to-Business environment) is essential alongside a track record in achieving KPIs.
• Degree-educated is preferred, with a minimum of A-Levels, or equivalent, is essential.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely whilst building rapport and trust.
• Customer-centric and entrepreneurial approach to business development; understanding client needs and drivers with the ability to handle objections and remove barriers.
• Positive and engaging telephone manner.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills with experience of using a CRM.
• Well organised and able to handle and prioritise multiple work streams.
• A dynamic, entrepreneurial self-starter who would thrive in a high-pressure meritocratic environment.
• Ability to manage and deliver strong results from a sales team under your direction.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Excellent sales and negotiation skillset.
• Ability to build strong and effective working relationships at all levels, including senior stakeholders.
• Resilient with the capability to work under pressure in a fast-paced corporate environment.
• Adept at problem-solving with a can-do attitude.
• Strong organisational skills with a high attention to detail.
• Strong commercial acumen with an interest in business.
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as being a team player.

Benefits

• Competitive basic salary and annual bonus.
• Vibrant, high-spec office environment.
• Enhanced annual leave, increasing with length of service.
• Salary sacrifice pension.
• Quarterly all-staff events and dynamic culture.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Portman Finance Group was established in 2007 to provide UK SMEs with access to a range of finance options under one roof. We have now arranged over £1 billion in funding for over 15,000 companies. Portman secure finance for businesses of all sizes via our own lending and panel of over 40 partners. We offer flexible payment terms, reducing large initial outlays and protecting cash-flow, and are one of the largest privately owned Broker-Lenders in the UK. Portman work with any type of private sector business. We have a long and successful history financing a variety of assets, quickly and easily.

Please note that as part of the recruitment process a criminal records check/credit history check will be carried out by an authorised third party.